74. They made a fierce attack against the legions which opposed them, and we not less fiercely assailed the squadrons by which we were opposed.

75. They returned with booty and with rich spoils, and the sons of kings were among our captives.

76. To you, O descendants of Becr, to you we address ourselves;—have you not yet learned the truth concerning us?

77. Have you not experienced with what impetuosity our troops have attacked your troops, and with what force they have darted their javelins?

78. We are armed with bright sabres, and clad in habergeons made in Yemen; our scimitars are part straight, part bent.

79. We have coats of mail that glitter like lightning; the plaits of which are seen in wrinkles above our belts:

80. When at any time our heroes put them off, you may see their skin blackened with the pressure of the steel.

81. The plaits of our hauberks resemble the surface of a pool which the winds have ruffled in their course.

82. On the morning of attack, we are borne into the field on short-haired steeds, which have been known to us from the time when we weaned them, and which we rescued from our foes after they had been taken.